JP2018532915A - Door handle with dual hinged silencer flap mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved door handle assembly 10 with an integral silencing flap mechanism. The integral silencer flap mechanism incorporates an integral dual hinge flap 52. The dual hinge flap 52 dampens vibrations while adjusting vertical movement and eliminating the need for any pivot pins or other holding parts. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit and priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 243,361, filed October 19, 2015. The contents of such priority application are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

  The present disclosure relates generally to automotive door handle assemblies and, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to door handle assemblies incorporating an integral dual hinged silencer flap mechanism. The silencing flap of the present disclosure may be particularly useful in a flush door handle assembly. The mute flap reduces noise when the handle is pushed.

  In known flush vehicle door handles, a metal screw is usually connected to a support skin that abuts a metal flap. The metal flap is in contact with the spring. The tension by the spring acts to urge the handle to a stationary state. In this configuration, the metal flap acts to reduce undesirable noise that can be caused by metal-to-metal contact between the screw and the spring as the handle is pushed. In this conventional configuration, the silencer flap is typically incorporated into the door handle assembly using a three-part configuration provided by the spring housing, the retaining pivot pin, and the flap.

  A conventional door handle incorporating such a three-part silencer configuration can be highly functional, but constructing such a structure is relatively complex and may require considerable skill. Specifically, such structures may require multiple tools to produce individual parts, and labor-intensive assembly procedures are required to combine small parts into a three-part configuration. Must be used. Thus, a silencer system that reduces complexity and effort while maintaining functionality would provide a useful advantage over the prior art.

  The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing an improved silencing flap mechanism that is integrally incorporated within a flush door handle. An improved silencing flap mechanism incorporates an integral dual hinge flap. This dual hinge flap eliminates any need for pivot pins or other retaining parts, thereby greatly simplifying the configuration.

  According to one exemplary feature, the present disclosure provides a vehicle door handle assembly that includes a support plate disposed in an overlapping relationship with a biasing spring. The support plate has an outer surface that projects opposite the biasing spring and a back surface that extends toward the biasing spring. A transverse passage extends across the thickness dimension of the support plate between the outer surface and the rear surface. Male members such as fasteners, rods, etc. are arranged in an inserted relationship in the transverse passage. The male member includes a proximal base disposed between the biasing spring and the back surface. The spring accommodating portion includes a peripheral wall that supports the biasing spring and at least partially surrounds the biasing spring. The dual hinge type flap is integral with the spring accommodating portion. The dual hinge flap has an upper surface facing the support plate and a lower surface facing away from the support plate. The dual hinge type flap includes a first hinge disposed adjacent to the peripheral wall and a second hinge spaced radially inward from the first hinge. The dual hinge flap further comprises a distal tab portion spaced from the peripheral wall, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are disposed between the distal tab portion and the peripheral wall. The portion is disposed in a sandwiched relationship between the biasing spring and the proximal base of the male fastener.

  Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.

  While exemplary features of the present disclosure are illustrated and described below with respect to certain potentially preferred and practical embodiments, the present disclosure is in any case illustrated and described. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to practical forms. On the contrary, this disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives and modifications that may encompass the general principles of this disclosure within its full and true spirit and scope.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary door handle assembly without a cover, showing a support skin mounted in an encircling fitting. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the back side of the exemplary door handle assembly of FIG. 1 showing an actuation lever used during operation of the door handle assembly. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary door handle assembly of FIG. 1 incorporating an exemplary dual hinge flap mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

  Before an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Similarly, it is understood that the language and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed before and equivalents thereof as well as further items and equivalents thereof.

  In the following, exemplary features of the present disclosure will be described with reference to various figures. Similar elements are denoted by similar reference numerals in the various figures to the extent possible. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary door handle assembly 10 without a cover to show various internal components. As shown, the door handle assembly 10 incorporates a support skin 12 that is housed within the enclosure fitting 14. As will be appreciated, the mating component 14 is a male connector (not shown) such as pins, male fasteners, etc., for connection to a backing structure in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. 2) includes an array of peripheral mounting openings 16 adapted to receive.

  In the exemplary configuration shown, the support skin 12 is substantially flat and provides a protective structural support cover for the internal components of the door handle assembly 10. The internal components of the door handle assembly 10 include a hook latch 20 and a complementary wire 22 that operate in a well known manner during operation of the door handle assembly 10. In this regard, during operation of the door handle assembly 10, the hook latch 20 can engage the wire 22 and lift the wire 22 during the opening procedure. Of course, other configurations may be used as well, if desired.

  In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the support skin 12 has an outer surface 24 that includes a plurality of notches 26 for accessing operational components beneath the door handle assembly 10. Has been placed. By way of example only and not limitation, the support skin can be formed as a single structure from a suitable plastic material, such as acetal resin, nylon 6, polyester, etc., using techniques such as injection molding. However, it is envisioned that other structural materials such as metals, composites, and the like can be used as well, if desired.

  As shown in the rear view of FIG. 2, the link arm 30 operatively engages the hook latch 20 during operation and is powered when the user activates the door handle. The door handle assembly 10 can be used so that it can be opened. Such operation is well known and understood by those skilled in the art.

  In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the support skin 12 has a transverse passage that extends across the thickness dimension of the support skin 12. The transverse passage defines a female opening for receiving and holding other male members, such as male fasteners 40 or pins, as best seen in FIG. In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the male fastener 40 can be adjusted from either end to establish the desired depth setting within the support plate. Accordingly, the male fastener 40 establishes and maintains an appropriate depth setting of the support skin 12 with respect to the surrounding mating component 14. Such an appropriate depth setting promotes proper function while avoiding damage that may result from excessive compression.

  By way of example only, and not by way of limitation, in the illustrated exemplary configuration, male fastener 40 includes a proximal base 42 positioned within door handle assembly 10 and a distal end disposed outside support skin 12. Part 44 (FIG. 3). As best seen by referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 in combination, the distal end 44 can be disposed within a surface well 46 outside the support skin 12. A tool engagement slot or pattern 48 may be located at the distal end 44 to engage a screwdriver or other adjustment tool. A tool engagement slot or pattern (not shown) can also be located on the proximal base 42 so that the depth of the male fastener 40 can be adjusted from either end if desired. . In this regard, although the male fastener 40 is shown as a threaded fastener, any other suitable adjustment structure can be used as well to establish and maintain the desired appropriate depth.

  Referring to FIG. 3, in the exemplary configuration, the proximal base 42 of the male fastener 40 is positioned in an overlapping opposing relationship with respect to the dual hinge flap 52. As shown, the dual hinge flap 52 has an upper surface 51 generally facing toward the support plate 12 and a lower surface 53 generally facing away from the support plate. The dual hinge flap 52 is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a dome shaped spring 54 such as metal, and the dome spring 54 moves the distal tab portion 55 of the dual hinge flap 52 upward toward the support plate 12. , And continuously urged in contact with the male fastener 40.

  As shown, in an exemplary configuration, the dome shaped spring 54 can be supported within a generally annular configuration of a spring receptacle 56 having a peripheral wall 58 that at least partially surrounds the outer edge of the dome shaped spring 54. . In this regard, the outer edge of the dome shaped spring 54 can be held in a circumferential retaining groove inside the peripheral wall 58. As shown, the inner diameter of the retention slot can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the dome-shaped spring 54, but is still substantially limited so that the dome-shaped spring 54 is not displaced radially or vertically. Is done.

  In operation, the dual hinge flap 52 operates to substantially suppress vibration-induced noise that may otherwise result from the interaction between the male fastener 40 and the dome spring 54 during operation. To do. According to one exemplary practical form, the dual hinge flap 52 can be integrally formed as a single structure with the spring receptacle 56 by techniques such as injection molding. Therefore, the spring accommodating portion 56 and the dual hinge type flap 52 jointly form a single structure from a single material. The material constituting the spring accommodating portion 56 and the dual hinge type flap 52 preferably includes a polymer material such as acetal resin, nylon, polyester or the like having a flexibility and toughness suitable for incorporating a living hinge without any defects. . However, other configurations and materials can be used as well, if desired. In particular, it is envisioned that separate materials can be used to form the spring housing 56 and the dual hinge flap 52 if desired. By way of example only and not limitation, such a configuration incorporating separate materials can be formed using techniques such as multi-shot molding and the like.

  In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the dual hinge flap 52 incorporates a pair of integrally molded living hinges disposed between the peripheral wall 58 and the distal tab portion 55. In this regard, in the illustrated exemplary configuration, the first hinge 60 is located adjacent to the peripheral wall 58 substantially at a proximal position at the intersection of the dual hinge flap 52 and the spring receptacle 56. In this embodiment, the second hinge 62 is positioned radially inboard from the first hinge. As shown, in the exemplary configuration, the first hinge 60 establishes an operative flex connection between the dual hinge flap 52 and the spring housing 56. The second hinge 62 facilitates the vertical parallel movement of the distal tab portion 53 as the handle is pushed in, thereby substantially between the male fastener 40 and the dome-shaped spring 54 in operation. The distal tab portion can move up and down while maintaining a flat orientation.

  As described above, in the illustrated exemplary configuration, the first hinge 60 and the second hinge 62 may be integrally molded living hinges provided on opposite sides of the dual hinge flap 52. As shown, in the exemplary configuration, the first hinge 60 can be defined by a scalloped depression in the upper surface 51 and the second hinge 62 is defined by a scalloped depression in the lower surface 53. Can do. However, it is similarly envisioned that the first hinge 60 and the second hinge 62 may be provided on the same side of the flap 52 if desired. In this regard, the term “living hinge” is understood to refer to a hinge that operates by controlled bending of the structure rather than by the use of an additional mechanical hinge structure. Such a structure can be formed using the illustrated scalloped surface indentation, but is preferably formed by introducing an angled notch, slit, or thickness reduction if desired. It is similarly envisioned that a living hinge can be used as well.

  In operation, when the handle is opened, the male fastener 40 applies a downward compression force against the dome shaped spring 54. In this situation, the dome shaped spring provides an opposing restoring force against the male fastener 40, thereby urging the handle to a stationary closed position. During this operation, the dual hinge flap 52 acts to reduce unwanted vibration noise when the handle is pushed. Unlike conventional configurations, a pivot pin or other mechanical retention device is not required to operate the dual hinge flap 52. Rather, the dual hinge flap 52 uses an integral connection to the spring housing 56 and a pair of bent living hinges 60, 62.

  When the male fastener moves downward, the distal tab portion 55 of the dual hinged flap 52 is bent while the living hinges 60, 62 are adapted to such vertical movement while moving in the vertical direction. A substantially flat engagement with the dome shaped spring 54 can be maintained. In this regard, as the distal tab portion 55 moves vertically downward, the second hinge 62 can expand, while at the same time the dual hinged flap 52 can accommodate the first hinge to accommodate this expansion. Turn at 60. Similarly, as the distal tab portion 55 moves vertically upward, the second hinge 62 can be closed, while the dual hinged flap 52 is adapted to close in such a manner. Bends at one hinge 60. Such adjustments can be made substantially continuously during use so as to adjust for vertical movement due to vibration. Surprisingly, such structures have been found to maintain integrity over extended periods of use despite high levels of repetitive bending. In addition, the dual hinge flap can maintain the desired orientation even when there is significant vertical movement of the structures above and below. Thus, the dual hinge flap is suitable for dampening vibration over a wide range of operating conditions.

  Of course, the variations and modifications described above are within the scope of the present disclosure. The use of “the terms“ a ”and“ an ”and“ the ”and similar referents” in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the appended claims) Unless otherwise specified herein or unless clearly contradicted by context, it is intended to include both the singular and the plural.

  The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” are open-ended unless otherwise specified. End) term (ie, means “including but not limited to”). The description of a range of values herein is intended only to serve as an abbreviation that individually refers to each distinct value within the range, unless otherwise specified herein. Rather, each distinct value is incorporated herein as if it were individually described herein.

  All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary words presented herein (eg, “such as”) merely illuminates the invention, unless stated otherwise. It is only intended and does not limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

  Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Those skilled in the art are expected to use such variations as appropriate, and it is contemplated that the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (20)

A support plate disposed in an overlapping relationship with the biasing spring, the support plate having an outer surface on the opposite side of the biasing spring and a back surface on the biasing spring side; A support plate in which a transverse passage extends across the thickness dimension of the support plate between the back surface;
A male member inserted into the transverse passage and having a proximal base disposed between the biasing spring and the back surface;
A spring accommodating portion that includes a peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds the biasing spring and supports the biasing spring;
A dual hinge type flap formed integrally with the spring accommodating portion,
The dual hinge flap has an upper surface facing the support plate and a lower surface facing away from the support plate;
The dual hinge type flap includes a first hinge disposed at a position adjacent to the peripheral wall, and a second hinge spaced from the first hinge;
The dual hinge flap further comprises a distal tab portion spaced from the peripheral wall;
The first hinge and the second hinge are disposed between the distal tab portion and the peripheral wall;
A vehicle door handle assembly in which the distal tab portion is disposed in a sandwiched relationship between the biasing spring and the proximal base of the male member.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is a dome-shaped spring.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral wall substantially surrounds the biasing spring.   2. The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the spring accommodating portion and the dual hinge flap is formed of a polymer.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the spring accommodating portion and the dual hinge flap are integrally formed from the same polymer material.   The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 5, wherein the same polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of acetal resin, nylon, and polyester.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first hinge is a living hinge.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second hinge is a living hinge.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first hinge is a living hinge and the second hinge is a living hinge.   The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 9, wherein the first hinge includes a recess in the upper surface and the second hinge includes a recess in the lower surface. A supporting plate disposed in an overlapping relationship with the biasing dome-shaped spring, the supporting plate having an outer surface opposite to the biasing dome-shaped spring and a back surface on the biasing dome-shaped spring side; A transverse passage extending across the thickness dimension of the support plate between the outer surface and the back surface, wherein the biasing spring is a dome-shaped spring;
A male member inserted into the transverse passage, the male member having a proximal base disposed between the biasing dome shaped spring and the back surface, wherein the male member is external to the outer surface. A male member further having a distal end projecting in the direction;
A spring accommodating portion that includes a peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds the biasing spring and supports the biasing dome-shaped spring;
A dual hinge type flap formed integrally with the spring accommodating portion,
The dual hinge flap has an upper surface facing the support plate and a lower surface facing away from the support plate;
The dual hinge-type flap includes a first living hinge disposed at a position adjacent to the peripheral wall, and a second living hinge disposed away from the first hinge,
The dual hinge flap further comprises a distal tab portion spaced from the peripheral wall;
The first hinge and the second hinge are disposed between the distal tab portion and the peripheral wall;
The vehicle door handle assembly wherein the distal tab portion is disposed in a sandwiched relationship between the biasing spring and the proximal base of the male member.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral wall substantially surrounds the biasing spring.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of the spring accommodating portion and the dual hinge flap is formed of a polymer.   14. The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 13, wherein the spring housing and the dual hinge flap are integrally formed from the same polymer material.   The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 14, wherein the same polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of acetal resin, nylon, and polyester.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first hinge is a living hinge including a scalloped depression on the upper surface.   The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second hinge is a living hinge including a scalloped depression on the lower surface.   15. The vehicle door handle assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first hinge is a living hinge including a scalloped depression on the upper surface, and the second hinge is a living hinge including a scalloped depression on the lower surface. . A supporting plate disposed in an overlapping relationship with the biasing dome-shaped spring, the supporting plate having an outer surface opposite to the biasing dome-shaped spring and a back surface on the biasing dome-shaped spring side; A transverse passage extending across the thickness dimension of the support plate between the outer surface and the back surface, wherein the biasing spring is a dome-shaped spring;
A male member inserted into the transverse passage, the male member having a proximal base disposed between the biasing dome-shaped spring and the back surface, wherein the male member is from the outer surface. A male member further having a distal end projecting outwardly;
A spring accommodating portion that includes a peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds the biasing spring, and supports the biasing dome-shaped spring;
A dual hinge type flap formed integrally with the spring accommodating portion,
The dual hinge flap has an upper surface facing the support plate and a lower surface facing away from the support plate;
The dual hinge-type flap includes a first living hinge having a scalloped depression disposed at a position adjacent to the peripheral wall on the upper surface, and a scallop disposed on the lower surface so as to be separated from the first hinge. A second living hinge having a dent in the shape,
The dual hinge flap further comprises a distal tab portion spaced from the peripheral wall;
The first hinge and the second hinge are disposed between the distal tab portion and the peripheral wall;
The distal tab portion is disposed in a sandwiched relationship between the biasing spring and the proximal base of the male member;
A vehicle door handle assembly in which the spring housing and the dual hinge flap are integrally molded from the same polymer material.   The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 19, wherein the same polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of acetal resin, nylon, and polyester.

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